Family-friendly New Year's Eve events

ìNoon Yearís Eve Celebration at Brandywine Zooî, is a popular all-ages celebration that runs from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Brandywine Zoo, which is located in Wilmingtonís scenic Brandywine Park. These kids are making party hats.

Every year, there are New Year’s Eve events in the Delaware Valley that begin long before the evening arrives. The Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Del. and the Garden State Discovery Museum each offer special family-oriented matinee events to celebrate the start of a new year.

The event in Wilmington, which is officially called “Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Brandywine Zoo”, is a popular all-ages celebration that runs from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Brandywine Zoo, which is located in Wilmington’s scenic Brandywine Park.

The mid-day party features a celebratory atmosphere with games, crafts and a countdown to 12 o’clock when noon approaches. And, there will be a sparkling apple cider toast when the clock strikes 12.

In addition to playing games, guests will be able to watch the creation of an ice sculpture, make a craft to bring home, watch the zoo’s animals as they play with piñatas and welcome in the New Year 12 hours before most people in the area.

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The event starts at 10 a.m. with check-in at the main admission gate. Most festivities will take place outdoors, so visitors are advised to dress for winter weather.

The Garden State Discovery Museum, a children-oriented museum in just across the river form Philadelphia, is presenting a special program called “New Years at Noon” during the day on December 31.

Guests are invited to be the first to ring in the New Year — kid style. The entire Museum will be alive with singing and dancing and counting down to 2013. As an added attraction, the countdown celebrations will be held at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.